Roland was born in Dodgeville on Nov. 22, 1938 to Louis and Helen (nee Dale) Christen. He was a 1956 graduate of Dodgeville High School. Soon after graduation he met the love of his life, Connie Paynter, of Mineral Point. However, his duty to the US Army as an MP delayed their union while he served in Korea on the DMZ. Finally, on March 7, 1964 they married and started their life in Madison, where they raised two children, Eric and Claudia.

Roland retired in 2000 from Sentry Hilldale, where he had worked for more than 30 years as the manager of the meat department. His work ethic not only presented him as a role model for his children, but inspired many in the grocery industry. It was while restoring a 1964 Corvair for his newly-licensed son that he rediscovered his passion for cars and joined the local Capital City Corvair Club, for which he served as president and treasurer though the years. He was an avid fan of all sports, "a walking sports encyclopedia."

Roland is survived by Eric (Nora) Christen of Maricopa, Ariz., and Claudia (William) Piper of Minneapolis, Minn,; four grandchildren, Camden and Colton Christen and Flynn and Alexis Piper, a sister, Cathy (Paul) Peercy of Madison and brother-in-law, Gaarder (Cathy) Paynter of The Villages, Fla.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Connie; his brother, Roger; his parents and his parents-in-law.

There will be a Memorial Service on Friday, Oct. 5, 2012 at 6 p. m. at CRESS FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICE, 3610 Speedway Road with Pastor Brent Campbell presiding. There will also be a visitation from 5 p. m. until the time of service at the funeral home.